a primitive root; properly, to be slack or languid, i.e. (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate; old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep.
Transliteration:yâshên
Pronunciation:yaw-shane'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma H3462 (yâshên) is a primitive root carrying a rich semantic range that extends beyond mere physical slumber. Its base definition suggests an initial state of "slackness" or "languor," from which its primary meaning of "to sleep" naturally develops. This physical act of sleep can further be extended figuratively to denote death, often described as a "sleep" in biblical texts. Beyond the animate realm, H3462 is also employed to describe inanimate objects or concepts that have become "old," "stale," or "inveterate." This encompasses the aging of physical goods, the long-standing nature of certain conditions, or the deep-seatedness of spiritual states. Thus, the word traverses a spectrum from a temporary physical cessation of activity to a permanent state of being, and from a literal human experience to the quality of material possessions or abstract concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H3462 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate its diverse applications:
1. **Literal Physical Sleep:** This is the most common usage. In [[Genesis 2:21]], God causes a "deep sleep" (תַּרְדֵּמָה, tardemah, often associated with divine intervention) to fall upon Adam before the creation of Eve, highlighting a state of profound unconsciousness. Similarly, the prophet Elijah mocks the priests of Baal, suggesting their god might be "asleep" ([[1 Kings 18:27]]), emphasizing the inertness and unresponsiveness of false deities. This usage underscores human vulnerability and dependence, contrasting sharply with divine attributes.
2. **Figurative Sleep (Spiritual Apathy or Death):** The concept of sleep often extends metaphorically to spiritual insensitivity or even death. In [[Psalm 13:3]], the psalmist pleads, "Lest I sleep the sleep of death," indicating a fear of spiritual or physical demise, where sleep serves as a euphemism for the finality of death. [[Isaiah 29:10]] describes God pouring out "a spirit of deep sleep" upon the people, causing them to become spiritually dull and unresponsive to prophetic revelation, signifying a state of divine judgment leading to spiritual blindness.
3. **"Old" or "Stale" (of Things):** H3462 is frequently used to describe the condition of objects that have aged or been stored for a long time. [[Leviticus 26:10]] speaks of eating "old store" (יָשָׁן), referring to grain from previous harvests, highlighting God's abundant provision that allows for sustenance from aged provisions. In [[Joshua 9:5]], the Gibeonites present "old garments" and "old and patched sandals" to deceive Joshua, emphasizing their worn and aged condition. The "Old Gate" mentioned in [[Nehemiah 3:6]] refers to a long-standing or ancient entrance to Jerusalem, indicating its venerable age and historical significance. This usage highlights the passage of time and the perishable nature of created things.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3462 stands in relation to several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **Sleep (Nouns & Verbs):** It is often found alongside or in distinction from other words for sleep, such as `{{H7933}}` (shakav, "to lie down," often implying sleep) and `{{H8142}}` (shena, "sleep" as a noun). While H3462 emphasizes the state of being asleep or languid, `{{H7933}}` focuses on the posture, and `{{H8142}}` is the general noun for the act or state.
* **Old/Aged:** For "old" in relation to people, `{{H2204}}` (zaqen) is typically used, emphasizing age and wisdom. `{{H6260}}` (atiq) signifies "ancient" or "old" with a connotation of antiquity or enduring quality, often referring to times or things of the distant past. H3462 in its "old" sense often applies to things that are simply past their prime or have been stored for a long time, sometimes with a nuance of decay or being outmoded.
* **Vigilance vs. Slumber:** The concept of H3462 (sleep) is powerfully contrasted with divine wakefulness. The most prominent example is `{{H8142}}` in [[Psalm 121:4]]: "Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." This highlights God's perpetual vigilance, a theological opposite to the human state of sleep.
* **Death and Resurrection:** The metaphorical use of "sleep" for death connects H3462 to the broader biblical understanding of mortality and the hope of resurrection. It implies a temporary state from which one can awaken.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3462 is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Vigilance and Faithfulness:** The most profound theological statement involving H3462 is its *absence* in God. The declaration that God "neither slumbers nor sleeps" ([[Psalm 121:4]]) is a foundational truth about His nature. It assures believers of His unceasing watchfulness, His unwavering commitment to His covenant, and His constant presence. Unlike human guardians who require rest, the Divine Protector is eternally alert, providing ultimate security and reliability.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** Human sleep, as described by H3462, underscores our physical limitations and dependence on a higher power. It is a state of vulnerability where one is exposed and requires protection, pointing to God as the ultimate guardian.
3. **Spiritual Apathy and Judgment:** The metaphorical use of H3462 for spiritual sleep or deep slumber serves as a powerful warning. It signifies a dangerous state of insensitivity to God's word, a lack of spiritual discernment, and a failure to heed divine calls. Such spiritual lethargy can be a consequence of sin or even a divine judgment, leading to spiritual blindness and a separation from God's truth. This calls believers to spiritual wakefulness and vigilance.
4. **The Transience of Creation and God's Provision:** The application of H3462 to "old" or "stale" things reminds humanity of the perishable nature of the material world. Possessions, garments, and even structures age and decay. Yet, the mention of "old store" ([[Leviticus 26:10]]) also speaks to God's enduring provision, demonstrating His foresight and generosity in sustaining His people even with aged resources.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H3462 (yâshên) is a versatile term whose core meaning of "to be slack or languid" expands to encompass physical sleep, spiritual apathy, and the state of being "old" or "stale" for inanimate objects. Its literal use describes the human need for rest and vulnerability, as seen in Adam's deep sleep or the false god Baal's imagined slumber. Metaphorically, H3462 powerfully depicts spiritual indifference or the sleep of death, serving as a prophetic warning against insensitivity to divine truth. When applied to things, it highlights the passage of time and the perishable nature of creation, while also subtly affirming God's enduring provision. Theologically, H3462 is most profoundly significant in its *negation* regarding God, emphasizing His eternal vigilance and faithfulness ("He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" [[Psalm 121:4]]), a stark contrast to the limitations and spiritual dangers inherent in human "sleep." Thus, H3462 illuminates fundamental truths about both the human condition and the immutable character of God.
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